The worst outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in history continues to ravage communities in West Africa. UNICEF estimates that 9.8 million children and young people under the age of 20 live in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia; countries where disease transmission is widespread and intense. Of these, 2.9 million are under the age of 5. UNICEF estimates that up to 10,000 children have lost one or both parents or caregivers due to Ebola.

To boost fight against Ebola and strengthen community-based services for the future, UNICEF raises appeal to US$500 million

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 12 December 2014 – UNICEF today announced an expanded fight against the Ebola virus in West Africa over the next six months, costing a total of US$500 million – of which just 24 per cent ($125.7 million) has been secured.